Marathons

The classic test for any runner is a marathon. Running all 26.2 miles is tough, but it's achievable if you have the grit and determination to keep training. Here's everything you need to know to train and find your perfect race whether it's on road or on a trail. You can choose from small local runs to the biggest mass participation events with tens of thousands of runners.

FINDING A MARATHON

On-road marathons
The majority of our marathon listings – whether local or major UK and overseas events – are run on the road, as indicated by the icon to the left.All marathonsLondon marathons

Off-road marathons
Plenty of marathons, especially in autumn and winter, take place off-road on trails, cross-country tracks, coastal paths and more. Look for the terrain and trail icons.All marathons

Find marathons further afield
Marathons are not all about London, there are local marathons to choose from across the UK and even abroad.UK marathonsEurope

Charity marathons
Running for charity is the perfect way to guarantee a place the world’s biggest mass-participation marathons – look for the 'Major Event' or charity logo.Charity marathons

TRAINING TIPS

Take your time
Running a marathon is a big undertaking and while training plans vary, you should factor in around 16 weeks, building up gradually.Training advice

Mental challenge"If you are going to be running a marathon and you’ve hardly run before then you don’t want to have 26 and a bit miles in your mind in September. Work backwards and do it bit by bit," Andy Barton, leading UK mental performance coach.Training your mind

Run other races
Setting yourself interim targets, such as a 10K and half marathon, helps give your training focus as well as allowing you to determine your ideal race pace.Find a 10KHalf marathons

ON THE DAY

Take the rough with the smooth"Respect the distance but don’t fear it. And be prepared for bad patches, they will happen. I find having a mantra to chant to myself helps get me through rough times," Aly Dixon, first British woman home in 2016 London Marathon.More tips from Aly

Nutrition and kit
Make sure you’ve tried and tested everything you’ll eat or drink on the big day. And the same goes for shoes and clothes.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Ultra focus
If you’ve conquered a marathon, then two new targets are ultra runs or an Ironman, which is a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride - and then a marathon!Find an ultra runIronman listings